- Jul 2, 2026
- 6
- 36
I’ve been looking at a few different affiliate programs recently, and I’ve realized that comparing them purely based on commission percentage can be pretty misleading.
One program might offer a 30% commission, while another offers 10%, but the second one could actually make more money depending on the product price, conversion rate, refund rate and how long the tracking cookie lasts.
So I’m curious how others here evaluate affiliate programs before putting time into promoting them.
Is it a percentage of the sale, a fixed amount per conversion, or a recurring commission? Recurring commissions can obviously be interesting for subscription-based products, but the percentage alone doesn't tell the whole story.
I also check whether commissions are different for new and existing customers.
A 30-day or 60-day tracking window can make a big difference compared with a program that only gives you a short attribution period.
I also look at how the program handles situations where a customer clicks several affiliate links before making a purchase.
I’d rather promote a product with a lower commission that has a strong reputation and converts consistently than spend weeks sending traffic to something that barely generates sales.
If the affiliate program provides conversion statistics, EPC or similar performance data, that can be useful when comparing options.
Before promoting something, I usually look at customer reviews, refund complaints, support quality and the general reputation of the company.
If customers don't like the product, getting the initial sale isn't enough. High refund rates can quickly reduce the actual earnings.
I check the payment methods, minimum payout threshold, payment schedule and whether there is a holding period before commissions become payable.
It’s worth understanding these details before sending significant traffic.
Having someone who actually responds when there is a tracking or payment issue can also make a big difference.
Some programs restrict paid advertising, brand bidding, email marketing, coupon sites, social media promotion or certain types of content.
A program can look attractive initially but become much less useful if its rules don't fit your traffic strategy.
If thousands of affiliates are already targeting the exact same keywords and products, getting traffic may be difficult.
On the other hand, a slightly less competitive product with good demand can sometimes be a better opportunity.
A program with a smaller commission but better conversion rates, stronger products and reliable tracking could easily outperform a program offering a much larger percentage.
I’d be interested to know how other affiliates here compare programs. Do you mainly look at commission and EPC, or do you have a specific checklist or spreadsheet you use before deciding which programs to promote?
One program might offer a 30% commission, while another offers 10%, but the second one could actually make more money depending on the product price, conversion rate, refund rate and how long the tracking cookie lasts.
So I’m curious how others here evaluate affiliate programs before putting time into promoting them.
1. Commission Structure
The first thing I usually check is how the commission actually works.Is it a percentage of the sale, a fixed amount per conversion, or a recurring commission? Recurring commissions can obviously be interesting for subscription-based products, but the percentage alone doesn't tell the whole story.
I also check whether commissions are different for new and existing customers.
2. Cookie Duration & Attribution
Cookie duration is another thing I don't want to overlook.A 30-day or 60-day tracking window can make a big difference compared with a program that only gives you a short attribution period.
I also look at how the program handles situations where a customer clicks several affiliate links before making a purchase.
3. Conversion Rate
A high commission isn't very useful if the product rarely converts.I’d rather promote a product with a lower commission that has a strong reputation and converts consistently than spend weeks sending traffic to something that barely generates sales.
If the affiliate program provides conversion statistics, EPC or similar performance data, that can be useful when comparing options.
4. Product Quality & Reputation
I think this is especially important for long-term affiliate sites.Before promoting something, I usually look at customer reviews, refund complaints, support quality and the general reputation of the company.
If customers don't like the product, getting the initial sale isn't enough. High refund rates can quickly reduce the actual earnings.
5. Payment Terms
Another area people sometimes ignore is how and when affiliates actually get paid.I check the payment methods, minimum payout threshold, payment schedule and whether there is a holding period before commissions become payable.
It’s worth understanding these details before sending significant traffic.
6. Affiliate Support & Resources
Good affiliate programs usually provide useful marketing resources such as banners, product feeds, tracking tools, promotional materials or dedicated affiliate support.Having someone who actually responds when there is a tracking or payment issue can also make a big difference.
7. Restrictions on Promotion
I always recommend checking the affiliate terms before joining.Some programs restrict paid advertising, brand bidding, email marketing, coupon sites, social media promotion or certain types of content.
A program can look attractive initially but become much less useful if its rules don't fit your traffic strategy.
8. Competition & Market Demand
I also consider how competitive the niche is.If thousands of affiliates are already targeting the exact same keywords and products, getting traffic may be difficult.
On the other hand, a slightly less competitive product with good demand can sometimes be a better opportunity.
How I Would Compare Them
If I were putting several programs into a spreadsheet, I'd probably compare:- Commission rate
- Average order value
- Recurring vs one-time commission
- Cookie duration
- Conversion rate
- EPC, if available
- Refund/cancellation rate
- Payment terms
- Product reputation
- Affiliate restrictions
- Support quality
- Competition
- Overall earning potential
What Matters Most?
For me, the biggest lesson is that the highest commission doesn't necessarily mean the highest earnings.A program with a smaller commission but better conversion rates, stronger products and reliable tracking could easily outperform a program offering a much larger percentage.
I’d be interested to know how other affiliates here compare programs. Do you mainly look at commission and EPC, or do you have a specific checklist or spreadsheet you use before deciding which programs to promote?